questions to ask oncologic ortho surgeon?

evsmom
evsmom Member Posts: 11
edited March 2014 in Sarcoma #1
I have now been referred to an oncologic orthop. surgeon for removal and biopsy of the tumor in my arm. What questions are important to ask the surgeon? I have an HMO and my options for a specialist are limited, I want to make sure I have found the right one...

Also, what can be expected from such surgery? Is it outpatient?

Comments

  • bigdawg32
    bigdawg32 Member Posts: 3
    #2
    questions to ask...
    Hi evsmom, I would ask them if there is going to be limited use of my arm after the surgery. If they have determined the tumor to be cancerous before your surgery this helps you greatly. Most Ortho Oncologists will tell you as little, or as much as you want to know. I would think your surgery will be outpatient. Since they have discovered it's cancerous before your surgery, they will probably remove the tumor and a healthy cuff of tissue around the tumor. This will decrease the likelihood of it recurring. They may suggest a round of post-operative radiation after the surgery. Radiation is different from chemo in that it mostly affects the area being irradiated. I was diagnosed with a cancerous tumor in my right palm after I had it removed. That's not to blame my original surgeon, a tumor in the palm is rarely seen so he wasn't expecting that (neither was I). I would just say to keep a positive outlook, it's the best thing you can do for yourself. Sometimes it's hard when you hear other stories. But just take it one day at a time,have faith in God and you'll be ok. If you have any questions, feel free to ask. Take care...

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